Future Millennial Kingdom of Christ
March 13, 2022
Commentary
This psalm can be divided into two major parts. First we can see the Lord celebrating as the reigning One (vv. 1-9) and then as the righteous One (vv. 10-12). One who will not only reign with invincible power, but with absolute integrity. As great as this victory was, it was the mere turning of a page of history compared with the world-wide jubilation which will follow the second coming of Christ. One day the clouds and darkness will roll away. His secret dwelling place (vv. 1-6) will be secret no more. The great tribulation will cease. Satan will be bound and imprisoned, the beast and the false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire and at last there will be peace.
Psalm 97 looks forward to the future Millennial kingdom which is when our Lord will return to this earth to reign (v. 1) with great power and absolute integrity. The clouds and thick darkness that surround God and hide Him from us today symbolize His unapproachable holiness (v. 2). One day the clouds of darkness will roll away. His secret dwelling place will be secret no more. When Jesus comes all nature will stand at His command (vv. 3-5). He can summon fire from the sky and turn solid rock into molten lava. Man’s puny weapons will be nothing to Him.
The psalmist tells us two things that will make the beginning of the millennial reign. (1) “The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see His glory.” (2) When the Lord returns He will make an end of those that serve graven images and worship idols (v. 7). Such false religions as Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism will be cast down. For nearly two thousand years the Jewish people have persisted in unbelief. The scales will fall from their eyes at the sight of Christ’s return (vv. 8-9). Righteousness in His people will result in a cleansing of society (vv. 10-12). The most astonishing and spiritual awakenings of the past will be nothing in comparison to when the Son of righteousness Himself returns.
Application
One day I will stand before God in all His glory and power. At that time I will see how my selfish goals and accomplishments in this life are nothing and only what has been done for Him will last.
Psalms 97:1– 12 (NET)
1 The Lord reigns. Let the earth be happy. Let the many coastlands rejoice.
2 Dark clouds surround him; equity and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him; on every side it burns up his enemies.
4 His lightning bolts light up the world; the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The sky declares his justice, and all the nations see his splendor.
7 All who worship idols are ashamed, those who boast about worthless idols. All the gods bow down before him.
8 Zion hears and rejoices, the towns of Judah are happy, because of your judgments, O Lord.
9 For you, O Lord, are the Most High over the whole earth; you are elevated high above all gods.
10 You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his faithful followers; he delivers them from the power of the wicked.
11 The godly bask in the light; the morally upright experience joy.
12 You godly ones, rejoice in the Lord. Give thanks to his holy name.